Gulf countries urged to diversify energy sources
Authorities must enhance awareness about the importance of the energy sector, says official
Dubai: Despite the fact that oil and gas will remain the main energy resource in the near future, Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, deputy of Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, called for finding alternative sources of energy.
In his address at the World Energy Forum, Shaikh Nasser said: “As long as most of the countries rely on oil and gas to power utilities, the Gulf region will play an essential dominating role in the energy sector.
“However, there is a persistent need to diversify the sources of energy to power the utilities sector in order to make it more sustainable. And the Gulf countries are working to achieve this goal.”
The UAE is now looking at renewable energy, coal-fired plants as well as solar power to support future electricity demands.
Initiatives in Bahrain
“It is very important to have a forward-looking vision of the needs of future generations. In the kingdom of Bahrain, this vision has resulted in initiatives to seek out and develop renewable and alternative energy sources to secure a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future for our coming generations,” he said, adding that energy sustainability is the “lifeblood of the economy”.
“The control of oil prices across GCC countries would be considered one of the effective indicators of economic stability,” he added.
While the world has come a long way in finding new ways to diversify energy sources, Shaikh Nasser said that authorities have to enhance awareness about the importance of the energy sector through education, an environment-friendly economy and green buildings.
Pointing to the significant role that the private sector can play in this regard, he said: “We have to create a level playing field for the private sector and allow private companies to bring in new technologies in renewable energy and solar power to create joint ventures.”
Shaikh Nasser highlighted the importance of the energy forum to exchange experiences, ideas as well as to come out with a clear vision about the best investment that could be made in energy.
